It may sound like heresy for Manchester United fans, but Paul Scholes has urged Roy Hodgson to play like Liverpool in Brazil.

And the United legend says Hodgson should start with as many as five Liverpool players in England's first World Cup game against Italy on June 14.

Scholes says he admired Liverpool's swagger as they went so close to upsetting the odds and winning the Premier League last season.

He was turned off by England's negative approach at the last World Cup and feels Hodgson should copy Brendan Rodgers' attacking philosophy.

"It would be refreshing for England to adopt Liverpool's attacking mentality in Brazil, really go for it," said the former England star.

"That means certainly four, and possibly five, Liverpool players in the England starting XI against Italy on June 14.

"South Africa in 2010 was so negative with boring draws. Nothing seemed to happen.

"England fans, and myself as an England fan, would rather see 3-all games than dull, nil-nil draws. I'd love to see Roy be brave enough to play like Liverpool - or Man United teams of the past.

"Last season, I didn't take notice of Liverpool as contenders until six or seven games to go of the Premier League.

"Only then did I think they genuinely had a chance of winning the title. Ultimately they fell short, but the thing I admired most was the swagger of their play and how they terrorised opponents, which reminded me of United at their best.

"The reports I'm hearing now from the international set-up are very positive and while I still doubt Roy Hodgson will start with such an attacking Liverpool-style approach, I'd love to see it."

"For England's first XI, we'll know more after the upcoming friendlies, but on the back of last season, I'd definitely start with Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling," he wrote in his latest Paddy Power blog.

"The question mark is Glen Johnson at right back. It's probably Phil Jones' best position right now, even though Jones could still develop into a great centre-half. Johnson is a touch better going forward, but it's a tight call.

"Much has been said already about the Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge partnership for the club. But Steven Gerrard, Sturridge and Raheem Sterling can offer a huge goal threat playing together for England.

"In terms of goals and assists, Gerrard was involved in almost 27 per cent of Liverpool's goals last season, while Raheem Sterling is deadly accurate - getting 49 per cent of his shots on target.

"Jordan Henderson is a diamond of a lad, who's best described as workmanlike.

"He's a player others appreciate having around them on the pitch. He'll sacrifice himself for the attacking talent in a team like Liverpool.

"He's not what you call world class, but Henderson could be key to England controlling the ball and using it effectively.

"However, not bringing Michael Carrick is a mistake. If there's an injury to Gerrard, nobody jumps out to replace him, assuming Roy considers the Liverpool approach. I don't see Henderson, Frank Lampard or Jack Wilshire playing Gerrard's role.

"My opinion at this moment is that England's success in the group stages hinge on Gerrard staying fit."

Scholes also claimed Yaya Toure's sulk over Manchester City not showing him proper respect over his birthday as "embarrassing".

"As for Yaya Toure sulking because Manchester City didn't mark his birthday with sufficient respect, it was comical," he said.

"Quite embarrassing, really. I can't remember Man United players acting like this. We still came back for pre-season. Poor Yaya, maybe the big lad just needs a cuddle."